Water dispersible compositions and methods of using the water dispersible compositions

ABSTRACT

Described herein are compositions comprising a nematicide intermixed with lecithin and a co-surfactant that form stable dispersions in water. Also disclosed are methods of controlling nematodes in soil by application of such compositions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/017,632, filed Jan. 22, 2008, which itself claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/885,970, filed Jan. 22, 2007, each of thecontents of the entirety of which are incorporated by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is directed towards a process for producing bio-based andbio-degradable pesticides, compositions and uses thereof. The inventionalso relates to a method for controlling nematodes and pests in grassesand lawns.

BACKGROUND

Nematodes are soil-dwelling, microscopic, un-segmented, round worms thatmay be parasitic or beneficial to a plant growing in the soil. Dependingon the species of the nematode and their numbers in the soil, thenematode may be capable of causing a decline in grasses such as, forinstance, turf grass. In established turf grass applications, contactnematicides come in granular or spray formulations and are typicallywatered-in after application. These nematicides are usually toxic tohuman and animals and have to be handled with extreme care. Sesame oilhas been found as one naturally derived control for the parasiticnematodes which is safe for application. However, sesame oil is notwater dispersible. Thus, there is a need for a commercially availablespray sesame oil formulation.

Plant parasitic nematodes infect many major food and fiber crops, aswell as turf grasses and ornamentals, and cause significant reduction incrop yield and quality. Nematodes have been estimated to cause annualcrop losses of about $78 billion worldwide (from the report “Plant &Soil Nematodes: Societal Impact and Focus for the Future”, sponsored byUSDA-CSRS and The Society of Nematologists). Most plant parasiticnematodes feed on the roots, but a few species attack above-ground plantparts. Damage from nematodes is primarily due to feeding and wounding,which in turn affects water and nutrient absorption, and can lead tosecondary infections by bacterial and fungal pathogens. In addition,root-feeding nematodes have been implicated in the transmission of viraldiseases. Plant-parasitic nematodes seldom kill plants outright. A lossof yield or quality can occur without specific above-ground symptoms.Sometimes these losses are attributed to other pests, fertilityproblems, or improper water management. The symptoms of nematode damagemay vary among crops and are generally manifested as root galling,lesions, premature wilting, chlorosis and overall reduction in plantvigor.

The most popular means of controlling nematodes include the use of soilfumigants such as methyl bromide, or non-fumigant nematicides such asorganophosphates and carbamates. These and most other conventionallyused nematicides are toxic to mammals and other non-target organisms,pose a potential threat to the environment and ground water, and mayleave chemical residues in food products. Resistant varieties, culturalpractices such as rotation, organic amendments, and even biologicalcontrol have been used with varying degrees of success to controlnematodes. In the U.S., there are approximately 13,000 golf coursesrepresenting 1.2 million acres and up to 85 million householdsrepresenting 17 million acres of residential turf. When recreational,commercial, and institutional areas are accounted for, total turf inurban areas is estimated at around 30 million acres. According to the1998 and 1999 Pesticide Industry Sales and Usage Report, up to 85million pounds of pesticide active ingredient were applied by consumersfor residential pest control while close to 15 million pounds ofpesticide active ingredient were professionally applied to golf courses.

Consumers apply pesticides to lawns mainly to control nuisance pests(e.g., ants, fire ants, fleas, stinging insects, and mosquitoes), whilecommercial lawn care companies focus on pests that damage turf (e.g.,grubs, sod webworms, cinch bugs, and European crane fly). Herbicides areapplied to control crabgrass and dandelions as well as a variety ofother weeds. The use of pesticides on turf poses challenges to humanhealth and the environment. A U.S. Geological Survey analysis of 20major river basins and aquifer systems reported that insecticides usedaround homes, gardens, and in commercial and public areas were oftenfound in streams at levels above water quality guidelines. The resultsof pesticide monitoring of residential runoff indicate that the mostwidely used and marketed herbicides and insecticides are routinely foundin urban runoff in different regions of the country.

According to the United States Environment Protection Agency's PesticideIncidence Data Reporting System, a total of 31,410 incidents relating tothe use of pesticides on lawns were reported over the period between1995 to 2002. The major categories of incidents were human exposures,domestic animal exposures, and damage to non-target plants. While nosevere human incidents were reported for insecticides or herbicides, alarge percentage of reports were on minor incidents involving humans. Asmaller percentage of reports involved domestic animals or non-targetplants. Significant pesticide exposure to humans and the environment canoccur because of misuse. Thus, a need exists for a bio-based andbio-degradable nematological composition that is safe for application toplant material and grasses and is not toxic towards mammals.

There are many natural occurring materials which are known effective asherbicides or insecticides. There are many favorable reasons to employ anatural occurring product in the control of undesirable organisms suchas soil nematodes. Natural decomposition in the soil and non-injuring tohigh life forms rank among the most noteworthy. Hence, the use ofcompositions derived from the sesame plant falls into this category ofbeneficial, economic and environmental considerations.

Sesame is from the generic Sesamum, a member of the Pedaliaceae family.The plant is grown primarily for its seed and oil expressed therefrom.Sesame oil is from sesame seed, of the cultivated Sesamum indicum. Thereare about seventeen wild species reported as occurring in Africa and twoin India. Sesamum indicum L is an herbaceous plant growing several feethigh with a vegetative cycle of only 3 or 4 months. Sesame is one of thehighest-yielding, non-perennial oil plants.

Sesame oil is reported as a synergist with certain insecticides—U.S.Pat. No. 2,202,145 (May 28, 1940); U.S. Pat. No. 2,463,324 (Mar. 1,1949). U.S. Pat. No. 2,463,324 discloses that sesame oil contains amaterial which is a synergist for certain insecticides, such aspyrethrum.

Sesame oil, meal and extracts of the sesame plant have been found tocontain a mixture of unsaponifiable materials such or sesamin, sesamolinand sesamol. U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,092 describes a nematocidal compositioncontaining as an active ingredient(s) therein sesame plant extractsincluding roots, seeds or stalks, oils and acids extracted therefrom,but primarily sesamin, sesamolin and sesamol. However, the compositionsprepared are not stable in water and contain hazardous chemicals such asxylene (see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,092, Column 3 lines 55-60) to producethe emulsifiable concentration formulations. Consequently, a waterdispersible nematological or herbicidal composition that is based onbio-degradable and bio-renewable ingredients and that can be sprayed oneasily to the land by adding water is needed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method for controlling nematodes comprises mixing acomposition comprising a nematicide, lecithin, and a co-surfactant inwater, and placing the composition dispersed in the water in contactwith soil.

In another embodiment, a process for producing a product comprisesmixing lecithin with a surfactant, thus forming a lecithin-cosurfactantblend, and mixing a nematicide with the lecithin-cosurfactant blend,thus forming a nematicide oil system.

In a further embodiment, a composition comprises a nematicide oil,lecithin and a surfactant.

In still a further embodiment, a composition comprises lecithin, andethoxylated monoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylate, or a combinationthereof. The composition also includes a nematicide oil.

In another embodiment, a composition comprises a nematicide oil, anon-ionic emulsifier, and a surfactant.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art form and from the descriptions, which follow herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sesame oil contains varying amounts of linoleic acid, alpha linoleicacid, oleic acid and other fatty acids. The linoleics contained in acomposition of the present invention, when applied or incorporated intothe soil, may be consumed or absorbed by the parasitic nematode, thus,drying the nematode. This drying will stop feeding and reproductiveprocess of the nematode, thus, reducing or eliminating parasiticnematode populations in the soil having the compositions of the presentinvention applied thereto. Also, the linoleics and fatty acids of thecompositions of the present invention deter or repel most leaf damaginginsects due to the unpleasant taste and aroma. The total content ofamino acids in sesame oil is about 42 grams per 100 grams. In this aminoacid composition, the major composition is methionine and tyrosine.Among the various amino acids present in sesame oil, DL-methionine actsas a nematicide and causes inactivation of the larvae.

In one embodiment, a method for controlling nematodes includes placing acomposition comprising a nematicide, lecithin, a co-solvent and asurfactant selected from the group consisting of ethoxylatedmonoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers,sugar esters, polyglycerol esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters,sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, glycerolesters, derivatives of any thereof, and any combinations thereof incontact with soil. The composition may also be dispersed in water.

In one embodiment, the nematicide may be an extract of Sesamum indicum Land may be used in combination with plant oils including, but notlimited to, soybean oil, corn oil, flaxseed oil, cottonseed oil,jatropha oil, canola oil, mustard oil, or combinations of any thereof.Use of a secondary plant oil in certain cases permits lowering ofviscosity the composition including the nematicide. Any suitablenematicide agent may be used in place of sesame oil, such as forinstance chemically modified plant oils.

In another embodiment, the nematicide may comprise a nematicide oil suchas sesame oil, canola oil, mustard oil or any combination thereof.

In still further embodiments, the nematicide oils composition may beused alone or in combination with an essential (herbicidal) oilincluding, but are not limited to clove oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil,jajoba oil, limonene, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, vanillin,eucalyptus, lemon grass oil, or combinations of any thereof. These oilshave herbicide effects and may have some toxicity to a plant to whichthey are applied. These oils are typically safe for organic farming. Theplant to which a nematicide oil and/or essential may be applied isselected from the group comprising a root vegetable, a tuber vegetable,a bulb vegetable, a cane vegetable, a fruiting vegetable, a leafyvegetable, a curcurbit vegetable, a fruit, a nut, a herb, a row crop, anoil crop, a forage crop, a fiber crop, an ornamental plant, a tree, aflower, a shrub, a bedding plant and a turf grass.

The compositions of the present invention enable the use variousnematicide oils, while having a reduced phytotoxic effect on the plantsto which they are applied. Thus, in one embodiment, a composition of thepresent invention comprising a nematicide oil and a surfactant has lessphytotoxicity when applied to a plant as compared to a compositionincluding the nematicide oil without the surfactant.

In another embodiment, ethoxylated rapeseed oil derivatives may be usedas the nematicide. For instance, neem oil may also be used. Suchderivatives are described in Pest Manag Sci 58:1243-1249 (2002); thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.In other embodiments, ethoxylated methylated vegetable oils may be used.In yet another embodiment, microbial pathogens or compounds originatingfrom a microbial pathogen may be employed to produce such blends. Suchcompounds or microbial pathogens may originate from microbes including,but not limited to, the bacteria Pasteuria penetrans (formerly known asBacillus penetrans), Bacillus thuringiensis (available in insecticidalformulations) and Burkholderia cepacia. Other microbial pathogensinclude without limitation nematicidal fungi such as Trichodermaharzianum, Hirsutella rhossiliensis, Hirsutella minnesotensis,Verticillium chlamydosporum, Arthrobotrys dactyloides, and Paceilomyceslilacinus. Another fungus, Myrothecium verrucaria, found to be highlyeffective in the control of nematodes, is available in a commercialformulation, DiTera™, from Abbott Laboratories. Circle One, Inc. offersa combination of several mycorrhizal fungal spores in a nematode-controlproduct called Prosper-Nema™. Stein Microbial Products offers thebacterium Burkholderia cepacia in a product called Deny™ and BlueCircle™. Rincon-Vitova offers a product called Activate™ whose activeingredient is the bacterium Bacillus chitinosporus. Such control methodsare described in Nematodes: Alternative Controls (Agriculture Specialistpublication #IP287, 2006) published by the National SustainableAgriculture Information Service (Fayetteville, Ark.); the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In another embodiment, the lecithin-co-surfactant blends may include aco-solvent such as triglycerides, diglycerides, food grade mineral oils,plant oils, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, glycerol, ethylene glycol,propylene glycol or any combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment,the lecithin may be crude lecithin, de-oiled lecithin, fluid lecithin orcombinations of any thereof. The composition may include about 10 to 50percent by weight of a surfactant containing nonionic compounds such asethoxylated monoglycerides, ethoxylated diglycerides, ethoxylatedalcohols, sorbitan fatty acid esters, sugar esters, poly glycerol estersor any combinations thereof. The surfactant should have a neutral pHvalue and an HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value of between about10 and 18. HLB value is a number between 1 and 20 assigned toemulsifiers based on the percent weight of hydrophobe to lipophobe in amolecule. If a stable emulsion of two pure liquids cannot be prepared;to achieve stability, a third component such as an emulsifying agent maybe used. Less-stable emulsions eventually separate spontaneously intotwo liquid layers.

In one embodiment, a lecithin-co-surfactant blend is produced. Such ablend is produced by blending lecithin with a surfactant having a HLB inthe range of about 10.0 to 18.0, optionally, in the presence of aco-solvent including, but not limited to, short chain fatty alcohols,acids, ester, glycerols, glycols or any combinations thereof. Theco-surfactant blend may include ethoxylated monoglycerides or fatty acidethoxylate, soybean oil, propylene glycol or any combination thereof.Several surfactants may be used for the blend such as, for example,polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylenesorbitan alkyl esters, glycerol esters, sugar esters, poly-glycerolesters, derivatives of any thereof or combinations of any thereof. Inanother embodiment, surfactants which have HLB value of 12 to 16 may beused. The surfactant blend may be produced by mixing lecithin, such asfor example fluidized lecithin, crude lecithin or de-oiled lecithin to acomposition containing the surfactants and co-solvents. The range ofsuch blends may comprise lecithin between about 50 percent by weight to90 percent by weight with, the remainder of the blend comprising aco-surfactant.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend may be intermixed with a nematocidalagent. Levels of such blends that may be used are between about 50percent to 90 percent by weight of the nematological agent added to thelecithin-co-surfactant blend.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend or the nematological agent blend withthe lecithin-co-surfactant may be achieved by a variety of techniquesincluding, but not limited to, blending, mixing, shear mixing,turbulizing, stirring, homogenizing or any combinations thereof. Typicalmixing times for producing these blends may be at least 30 minutes. Inanother embodiment, a time period of about 30 minutes to 300 minutes attemperatures sufficient to produce uniform mixing may also be used. Inone embodiment, temperatures between 25° C. to 60° C. may be used. Suchconditions are a result of cause variable effect and may be optimizedbased on the type and concentrations of co-surfactants used to producethe blends.

The co-surfactant used may also contain propylene glycol, ethyleneglycol, glycerol, short chain fatty acids, esters of any thereof, orcombinations of any thereof. In one embodiment, the active ingredient issesame oil, mustard oil, canola oil, combinations of any thereof, or anyother effective nematicide agent. The inert ingredients are dissolvedand suspended in the oil. Generally, the compositions are typically soldseparately and a penetrant (surfactant) is usually combined when used.The final compositions may be diluted in water and sprayed or pouredonto the soil. In one embodiment, all ingredients may be in one phasefor ease of use and are ready to deliver to the soil just by dilutingwith water. In various embodiments, concentrations of active ingredientin the aqueous solution may range from 0.1 to 20 percent. It will beapparent by those of ordinary skill in the art that the percentages andapproaches to application will vary with the type of crop, type ofnematode to treat, and/or other conditions and may be optimized usingroutine experimentation. The surfactant phase may also include, forexample, polyoxyethylene derivatives of sorbitan monoester, such as apolyethylene oxide of sorbitan fatty acid esters (sorbitanmonopalmitate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monostearate, etc.). Thesecompounds are available under the tradename of “TWEEN” of UniqemaCompany (a Delaware Corporation) such as TWEEN 60 or TWEEN 80. Any othersuitable surfactant in the desired HLB range may be used. Suchsurfactants are available from numerous suppliers such as BASF (FlorhamPark, N.J.), Lonza (Allendale, N.J.), Stepan (Northfield, Ill.), Kerry(Beloit, Wis.) etc.

In another embodiment, mixed surfactants (surfactant mixtures) in thegiven HLB range of 10-18 may be used to enhance the solubilizationproperties of the blend that can improve the efficacy of the nematicide.

Another embodiment of the invention permits the use of hard (e.g., well)water for application to soil. Dispersibility of the composition of thepresent invention in hard water is important because of the costassociated with treating water to reduce its hardness. Well water whichmay be very high in mineral (e.g., calcium, magnesium and iron) contentmay also be used. The compositions may be used at rates such as from 6pounds per acre to 300 pounds per acre upon dilution in water. Incertain cases, the nematicide compositions may be used at rates of onepound per acre or less depending upon the amount necessary to attaineffective control by any application technique in which the compositionsand nematodes are brought in mutual contact, such as to the foliage ofthe plant or grass, to the soil itself, to the nematode itself, or otherplant pest.

The water soluble compositions of this invention may also be used inconjunction with any biological or chemical agent such as a biocide,fungicide, nematocide, herbicide, pesticide or insecticide that needs tobe dispersed in water prior to application. For instance, substancesused in crop protection which need to be dispersed in water prior toapplication may suitably be developed by the teachings of thisinvention. A suitable blend of the water soluble composition includinglecithin and a co-surfactant may be prepared and blended with thebiological or chemical agent that is required for application to producea stable dispersion in water. In one embodiment, the water solublecomposition may also be dispersed in hard water.

In another embodiment, the compositions of the present invention areless phytotoxic to plants to which they are applied as compared tocommercially available products. For instance, application of someconventional nematicide products results in damage to the plants towhich the conventional nematicide products are applied.

In one embodiment, a water dispersible nematological composition that isbased on bio-degradable and bio-renewable ingredients that can be easilysprayed on the land by adding water is disclosed. In another embodiment,a method is described for mixing a composition comprising a nematicide,lecithin, and a co-surfactant in water; and placing the composition inwater and applying it to soil for control of nematodes. Also, yetanother embodiment of this invention describes a process for producing aproduct, by mixing lecithin with a surfactant, thus forming alecithin-co-surfactant blend; and mixing an extract of Sesamum indicum Lwith the lecithin-co-surfactant blend, thus forming a sesame oil system.

In other teachings of this invention is described, a compositioncomprising sesame seed oil; lecithin; and a compound selected from thegroup consisting of triglycerides, diglycerides, sugar alcohols,ethoxylated monoglycerides, fatty acid ethoxylates, sorbitan monoester,polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, sorbitanalkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, glycerol esters,short chain fatty alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols, glycols,derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof.

Another aspect of this embodiment is a composition comprising sesameseed oil; lecithin; and a compound selected from the group consisting ofsorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylenedodecyl mono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer,polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaester with sorbitol, ethoxylatedcastor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, ethoxylated polyoxyethylenesorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, mixed esters with glyceroland polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-16 and ethoxylated derivatives ofany thereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In another embodiment, a composition for dispersing an oil in waterconsists essentially of lecithin and a compound selected from the groupconsisting of sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin,polyoxyethylene dodecyl mono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropyleneblock copolymer, polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylenemonohexadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaester with sorbitol, ethoxylatedcastor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, ethoxylated polyoxyethylenesorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, mixed esters with glyceroland polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-16 and ethoxylated derivatives, ofany thereof, and combinations of any thereof.

In an addition embodiment, a composition comprising a nematicide oil, anon-ionic emulsifier and a surfactant may be used as a nematicidalagent. In one embodiment, the non-ionic emulsifier may be aphospholipid. In a further embodiment, the non-ionic emulsifier may befluid lecithin, deoiled lecithin, acetylated lecithin, hydroxylatedlecithin, acetylated and hydroxylated lecithin, or combinations of anythereof.

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further describe theinvention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatseveral variations these Examples are possible within the spirit of theinvention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

This example describes a method of making a sesame oil blend sprayformulation for nematode control. A lecithin-cosurfactant blend wasprepared by mixing: lecithin (available from Archer Daniels MidlandCompany of, Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 80 percent by weight;ethoxylated monoglycerides (available from BASF, Florham, N.J.) in anamount of 10 percent by weight; propylene glycol in an amount of 2percent by weight; and soybean oil in an amount of 8 percent by weight.The components of the spray formulation were mixed at 50° C. underconstant stirring for between 30 minutes to 60 minutes, thus producingan amber, transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend was mixed in an amount of 30 percent byweight with sesame seed oil in an amount of 70 percent by weight, andheated to 50° C. with constant stirring for thirty minutes to obtain aclear, sesame oil system that easily forms a stable milky dispersion inwater.

All of the ingredients used in this Example are considered food grade,bio-based and bio-degradable. The resulting emulsion is consideredstable when dispersed in hard water for application to plants andgrasses.

Example 2

This example describes another method of making sesame oil blend sprayformulation for nematode control.

A lecithin-cosurfactant blend was prepared by mixing lecithin (availablefrom Archer Daniels Midland Company Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 90percent by weight and fatty acid ethoxylate (available from Stepan,Northfield, Ill.) in an amount of 10 percent by weight. The lecithin andfatty acid ethoxylate are weighed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for thirty minutes to obtain an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend. The fatty acid ethoxylate used is anagricultural emulsifier and is approved by the EPA as inert ingredientunder U.S. EPA §40 CFR 180.910, U.S. EPA §21 CFR 176.210, 175.105. Inthe second step, weighed amounts of sesame oil and lecithin-cosurfactantblend were mixed and heated to 50° C. under constant stirring for 30minutes to 60 minutes to obtain a clear sesame oil system that easilyforms a stable milky dispersion in water.

Example 3

This example describes another method of making a sesame oil blend sprayformulation for nematode control.

A sesame oil blend was prepared by mixing sesame oil in an amount of 60percent by weight, lecithin (available from Archer Daniels MidlandCompany Decatur, Ill.) in an amount of 30 percent by weight, with fattyacid ethoxylate (available from Stepan, Northfield, Ill.) in an amountof 10 percent by weight or ethoxylated monoglycerides (available fromBASF, Florham, N.J.) in an amount of 10 percent by weight.

The ingredients are weighed and heated to 50° C. under constant stirringfor thirty minutes to obtain an amber, transparent sesame oil blend. Thefatty acid ethoxylate used herein is an agricultural emulsifier and isapproved by the EPA as inert ingredient under U.S. EPA §40 CFR 180.910,U.S. EPA §21 CFR 176.210, 175.105. The clear sesame oil system easilyforms a stable milky dispersion in water.

Example 4

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight canola oil and30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin, ethyoxylatedmonoglycerides, propylene glycol and soybean oil necessary to achieve acomposition having 80% lecithin by weight; 10% ethoxylatedmonoglycerides by weight; 2% propylene glycol by weight; and 8% ofsoybean oil by weight. The ingredients were heated to 50° C. withconstant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producing an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof canola oil and the lecithin-cosurfactant blend necessary to achievethe oil spray composition having 70% by weight canola oil and 30% byweight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The canola oil and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 5

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight canola oil and30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin and fatty acidethoxylate necessary to achieve a composition having 90% lecithin byweight and 10% fatty acid ethoxylate by weight. The ingredients wereheated to 50° C. with constant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producingan amber, transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The fatty acidethoxylate is an agricultural emulsifier and approved by the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency as an inert ingredient under 40CFR 180.910, 21 CFR 176.210 and 21 CFR 175.105.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof canola oil and the lecithin-cosurfactant blend necessary to achievethe oil spray composition having 70% by weight canola oil and 30% byweight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The canola oil and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 6

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight of a 1:1 blendof canola oil/sesame oil and 30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactantblend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin, ethyoxylatedmonoglycerides, propylene glycol and soybean oil necessary to achieve acomposition having 80% lecithin by weight; 10% ethoxylatedmonoglycerides by weight; 2% propylene glycol by weight; and 8% ofsoybean oil by weight. The ingredients were heated to 50° C. withconstant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producing an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof the 1:1 blend of canola oil/sesame oil and the lecithin-cosurfactantblend necessary to achieve the oil spray composition having 70% byweight of the canola oil/sesame oil blend and 30% by weight of alecithin-cosurfactant blend. The canola oil/sesame oil blend and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 7

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight of a 1:1 blendof canola oil/sesame oil and 30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactantblend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin and fatty acidethoxylate necessary to achieve a composition having 90% lecithin byweight and 10% fatty acid ethoxylate by weight. The ingredients wereheated to 50° C. with constant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producingan amber, transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The fatty acidethoxylate is an agricultural emulsifier and approved by the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency as an inert ingredient under 40CFR 180.910, 21 CFR 176.210 and 21 CFR 175.105.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof the canola oil/sesame oil blend and the lecithin-cosurfactant blendnecessary to achieve the oil spray composition having 70% by weight ofthe canola oil/sesame oil blend and 30% by weight of alecithin-cosurfactant blend. The canola oil/sesame oil blend and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 8

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight mustard oiland 30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin, ethyoxylatedmonoglycerides, propylene glycol and soybean oil necessary to achieve acomposition having 80% lecithin by weight; 10% ethoxylatedmonoglycerides by weight; 2% propylene glycol by weight; and 8% ofsoybean oil by weight. The ingredients were heated to 50° C. withconstant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producing an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof mustard oil and the lecithin-cosurfactant blend necessary to achievethe oil spray composition having 70% by weight mustard oil and 30% byweight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The mustard oil and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 9

This example discloses a method of making an oil spray composition fornematode control. The composition comprises 70% by weight mustard oiland 30% by weight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The composition was produced by preparing the lecithin-cosurfactantblend as follows. Appropriate amounts of lecithin and fatty acidethoxylate necessary to achieve a composition having 90% lecithin byweight and 10% fatty acid ethoxylate by weight. The ingredients wereheated to 50° C. with constant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producingan amber, transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The fatty acidethoxylate is an agricultural emulsifier and approved by the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency as an inert ingredient under 40CFR 180.910, 21 CFR 176.210 and 21 CFR 175.105.

The oil spray composition was produced by weighing appropriate amountsof mustard oil and the lecithin-cosurfactant blend necessary to achievethe oil spray composition having 70% by weight mustard oil and 30% byweight of a lecithin-cosurfactant blend. The mustard oil and thelecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed and heated to 50° C. on constantstirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, oil spray composition thateasily forms a stable, milky dispersion in water.

Example 10

This example describes a method of making a composition including anessential oil or extract having herbicidal activity.

In this example, a weighed amount of a nematicide oil(s) (i.e., sesameoil, canola oil, mustard oil, or any combinations thereof), clove oil,and a lecithin-cosurfactant blend were mixed at room temperature withconstant stirring for 30 minutes to obtain a clear, clove oil systemthat easily formed a stable, milky dispersion in water that was stableover a period of several hours.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend was prepared by the following twomethods.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend was produced as follows. Appropriateamounts of lecithin, ethyoxylated monoglycerides, propylene glycol andsoybean oil necessary to achieve a composition having 80% lecithin byweight; 10% ethoxylated monoglycerides by weight; 2% propylene glycol byweight; and 8% of soybean oil by weight. The ingredients were heated to50° C. with constant stirring for 30 minutes, thus producing an amber,transparent lecithin-cosurfactant blend.

The lecithin-cosurfactant blend was prepared as follows. Appropriateamounts of lecithin and fatty acid ethoxylate necessary to achieve acomposition having 90% lecithin by weight and 10% fatty acid ethoxylateby weight. The ingredients were heated to 50° C. with constant stirringfor 30 minutes, thus producing an amber, transparentlecithin-cosurfactant blend. The fatty acid ethoxylate is anagricultural emulsifier and approved by the United States EnvironmentalProtection Agency as an inert ingredient under 40 CFR 180.910, 21 CFR176.210 and 21 CFR 175.105.

Example 11

The composition prepared by Example 10 may be used as a foliar herbicidethat may be used to control actively growing, emerged green vegetation.The composition may be applied to vegetation in an amount of a 5-10%dilution rate to 100 gallons of water to achieve a desired applicationrate. The composition may be used to control annual and perennialbroadleaf and grassy weeds, and affects the portions of the plants thatare coated with the composition.

Example 12

The composition produced by any of examples 1-10 is diluted with hardwater to form a dispersion containing 0.1 percent to 1.0 percent byweight of the emulsion in water. The dispersion was found to be stableover a period of several hours and may be applied in the amount of 0.1gallons to 1.0 gallons per acre of land area depending upon the nematodecontrol required. For effective nematode control, the dispersion shouldbe applied at least two times per a 12 week cycle. If nematodes persist,the dispersion may be applied every 10 to 15 days depending on thehealth of the crops/plants to which the dispersion is being applied.

The present invention has been described with reference to certainexemplary embodiments, compositions and uses thereof. However, it willbe recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that varioussubstitutions, modifications or combinations of any of the exemplaryembodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. Thus, the invention is not limited by the description ofthe exemplary embodiment, but rather by the appended claims asoriginally filed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: an oil; and alecithin-co-surfactant blend comprising 50-90% lecithin and aco-surfactant, the co-surfactant having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balanceof between 12 and 16 and the blend having a hydrophilic-lipophilicbalance value of between 10 and 18; wherein the oil, the lecithin, andthe co-surfactant are present in the composition in such amounts thatupon dispersing the composition in water, a stable emulsion is formed.2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the oil comprises a plant oilselected from the group consisting of tall-oil, ethoxylated castor oil,ethoxylated soybean oil, soybean oil, corn oil, flaxseed oil, cottonseedoil, jatropha oil, canola oil, mustard oil, and combinations of anythereof.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the plant oil comprisesthe soybean oil.
 4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the plant oilcomprises the ethoxylated soybean oil.
 5. The composition of claim 1,wherein the lecithin is selected from the group consisting of fluidizedlecithin, deoiled lecithin, crude lecithin, and combinations of anythereof.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the co-surfactant isselected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated monoglyceride, afatty acid ethoxylate, and combinations of any thereof.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising a co-solvent.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 7, wherein the co-solvent is selected from thegroup consisting of short chain fatty alcohols; acids; esters; sugaralcohols such as sorbitol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol;triglycerides; diglycerides; food grade mineral oils; plant oils; andcombinations of any thereof.
 9. A composition comprising: a lecithin; anessential oil selected from the group consisting of clove oil, thymeoil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, limonene, peppermint oil, wintergreenoil, vanillin, eucalyptus, lemon grass oil, and combinations of anythereof; and a compound selected from the group consisting of sorbitanmonostearate, polyoxyethylene ester of rosin, polyoxyethylene dodecylmono ether, polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer,polyoxyethylene monolaurate, polyoxyethylene monohexadecyl ether,polyoxyethylene monooleate, polyoxyethylenemono(cis-9-octadecenyl)ether, polyoxyethylene monostearate,polyoxyethylene monooctadecyl ether, polyoxyethylene dioleate,polyoxyethylene distearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolauratepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate, polyglycerolester of oleic acid, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexastearate,polyoxyethylene monotetradecyl ether, polyoxyethylene sorbitolhexaoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, hexaester with sorbitol, ethoxylatedcastor oil, ethoxylated soybean oil, ethoxylated polyoxyethylenesorbitol tetraoleate, fatty acids, tall-oil, mixed esters with glyceroland polyethylene glycol, alcohols, C9-16 and ethoxylated derivatives ofany thereof, and combinations of any thereof; wherein the lecithin andthe compound are present in the composition in such amounts that upondispersing the composition and an oil in water, a stable emulsion isformed.
 10. The composition of claim 9, wherein the lecithin is selectedfrom the group consisting of fluid lecithin, deoiled lecithin, crudelecithin, acetylated lecithin, hydroxylated lecithin, and combinationsof any thereof.
 11. A process for producing a composition, comprising:mixing lecithin with a co-surfactant, thus forming alecithin-co-surfactant blend; mixing an oil with thelecithin-co-surfactant blend; and dispersing the oil and thelecithin-co-surfactant blend in water, thus forming a stable emulsion.12. The process of claim 11, wherein the acts of mixing are performed ata temperature of at least 25° C. for a time period of at least 30minutes.
 13. The process of claim 11, wherein the co-surfactant isselected from the group consisting of ethoxylated monoglycerides, fattyacid ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylesters, sorbitan alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters,glycerol esters, derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of anythereof.
 14. The process of claim 11, wherein the co-surfactant furthercomprises a compound selected from the group consisting oftriglycerides, diglycerides, food grade mineral oils, vegetable oils,sugar alcohols, short chain fatty alcohols, acids, esters, glycerols,glycols, chemically modified vegetable oils, and combinations of anythereof.
 15. The process of claim 11, wherein the co-surfactant has ahydrophilic-lipophilic balance of between 10.0 and 18.0.
 16. The processof claim 11, wherein the lecithin is selected from the group consistingof fluidized lecithin, deoiled lecithin, crude lecithin, andcombinations of any thereof.
 17. The process of claim 11, furthercomprising: dispersing the composition in water at a concentration ofbetween 0.1 percent and 20 percent by weight.
 18. The process of claim11, wherein the oil comprises at least 60 percent by weight of thecomposition.
 19. The process of claim 11, wherein the oil is selectedfrom the group consisting of ethoxylated vegetable oil, soybean oil,derivatives of any thereof, and combinations of any thereof.
 20. Theprocess of claim 11, further comprising: diluting the composition inwater in a 1:10 ratio, forming an emulsion that is stable for a periodof several hours.